The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) has released additional wireless spectrum in the 3.4GHz to 3.8GHz band for fixed wireless broadband (FWALA) providers targeting the business and consumer markets.
Across Ireland, fixed wireless broadband providers have in excess of 117,000 customers, which represents almost 10pc of all broadband connections in the country.
ComReg now intends to release additional spectrum for FWALA licensing in the 3.6 GHz to 3.8 GHz part of the band, as well as releasing Channels E and J in the 3.5 GHz band – a total of 128 MHz of spectrum in all.
This will increase the amount of spectrum available for FWALA broadband by almost 70pc.
ComReg said it believes this substantial increase in available spectrum should address the spectrum needs of both existing and potential FWALA operators, enabling them to expand their networks and meet the growing demand for increased availability and choice in broadband services.
By John Kennedy
